Council streamlines its management team

Two senior posts at Scottish Borders Council are being removed, saving £140,000, as the local authority restructures its management team.

Since January 2014 the council’s depute chief executive for people has been Jeanette McDiarmid and the depute chief executive for place has been Philip Barr. Both these roles will disappear in phase one of the management restructure, achieving an annual saving of around £140,000, and Mr Barr will take on a new role within the senior management team.

On February 9, the council’s budget was approved, including a saving of £500,000 through changes to the corporate management structure, with a further saving of £1 million for restructuring across the organisation.

A council spokesperson said: “The role title for Philip Barr is to be confirmed, but this position will be in line with the new flattened structure which removes the layer between the chief executive and service directors.

“There are currently 9.5 service director posts, which will reviewed as part of the next phase of the restructure.

“While the structure has been flattened, it is worth noting that although all service directors will report directly to the chief executive, there are varying degrees of responsibility and seniority.”

SBC’s chief executive, Tracey Logan, said: “The revised configuration we are putting in place streamlines the council’s management team, ensuring we are in the best place possible to meet the challenges facing public services now and in the coming years.

“This follows on from changes three years ago, which delivered direct savings of £100,000 and allowed reinvestment of over £600,000 into services.”

“I would like to put on record my thanks to Jeanette McDiarmid, depute chief executive, people, for her hard work over the past three years, in particular the integration of health and social care, which has been a significant challenge for the council over the past 18 months.

“She has very ably led our people department, delivering a great deal, and the department and colleagues have benefited from her expertise and experience.”

A restructure in 2014 reduced four corporate director posts to two depute chief executives (the roles now being removed), and 19 senior posts to 12 service directors.